In my review of the MAD1S, I mentioned how excited I was that MB&F's design language was available in a watch a mere mortal could afford. While I still feel that way, I only wear it occasionally. It's really fun to wear, but it also attracts a lot of attention. Thus, I was really excited when M.A.D. Editions released a follow-up model, the MAD2, with a more wearable package. When a local watch collector brought his original green version to a watch meetup in 2025, I knew I had to have one.
I was unsuccessful in the lotteries for the original green and the follow-up red version. Then the brand started doing in-person-only lotteries of special versions called the MAD2 Live, designated for different cities. I entered at Windup SF, and while I didn't win, a good friend won the chance to buy one and sold it to me. Thus, 3 months later, I finally had the watch that you see here. Of course I had to do a full review!
First Impressions of the M.A.D. Editions M.A.D.2 Live
The MAD2 isn't as shocking to look at as the MAD1S, but it is equally cool and comes in a much more wearable package. I also think this colorway is the best one offered so far (green, orange, and two red versions have also been produced).
M.A.D. Editions M.A.D.2 Live Details
The MAD2's dial inspiration comes from the music world, specifically vinyl records and turntables. The silver dial features machined circular grooves like those found on a record.
The center of the dial features two rotating discs, featuring a minutes display and a bi-directional jump-hour disc.
Metal spokes at 3 and 9 secure the dial and movement to the outer case.
Beneath that, the circumference of the free-spinning winding rotor is visible from the front of the watch. It has patterns of holes and lumed circles, creating a light show at night when the rotor spins.
The MAD2 case uses a pebble-like construction, formed in a perfect circle, with a rounded, polished bezel built into the case that flows into the domed sapphire crystal.
The sides are brushed, as are the straight lugs (which have a more subdued version of the floating lug design used on the MAD1).
Wearing the M.A.D. Editions M.A.D.2 Live
As you might imagine, the MAD2 is much more wearable than the MAD1S. Both watches are 42mm wide, but the MAD2 has much more compact lugs, with a total height of about 2mm less than the MAD1.
It's also 2.7mm thinner, but again that doesn't tell the whole story. The MAD2's case is much more contoured than the MAD1's hard-edged bezel.
While the MAD1S looks even larger than its dimensions indicate, the MAD2 looks more compact than it does on a spec list.
It still doesn't use conventional hands, but the time is also easier to read than the 1S. The display is clearer, visible from the front of the watch, plus it features a minutes display!
The crown is also easier to operate, as it's in a more conventional location.
The time display is lumed with Super-LumiNova like the MAD1S, but again it's more of a novelty than a function. The numbers aren't that bright and are hard to distinguish in low light, but it sure looks cool!
Original and replacement straps for the M.A.D. Editions M.A.D.2
Earlier versions of the MAD2 came with leather straps, but the MAD2 Live comes on a white rubber strap with quick-release springbars. Its design is similar to that of our CTS Straps, but with a textured pattern. The spring-loaded, double deployant clasp is engraved with the M.A.D. logo and the city where the buyer entered the raffle (San Francisco in this case).
If you'd like to change the strap, the lug width is 21mm. StrapHabit offers plenty of good options, though I recommend curved spring bars. We don't currently have them in 21mm, so I bent a set of straight 21mm bars.
M.A.D. Editions M.A.D.2 Live Movement
One of the major changes from the MAD1 to the MAD1S was the movement upgrade from a Miyota 821A to a La Joux-Perret G101. The MAD2 carries this over, again utilizing the Swiss version of this movement family. This time it adds a bi-directional jumping hour module with trailing minutes.
While MAD1 watches inverted the movement, MAD2 returns to a more conventional orientation, placing the free-spinning rotor behind the dial. This makes it much less distracting to wear while still retaining much of the MB&F charm we expected from M.A.D. Editions.
The movement sits behind an expansive sapphire crystal. The black rotor forms a circle around the movement, with two thin spokes securing it to its hub. The G101 is a non-date movement that beats at 28,800vph. The power reserve is down from 68 hours in the MAD1S to 64 hours in the MAD2. My guess is that the jump hour mechanism consumes slightly more energy than the hour disc in the original.
Conclusion
Just after I got my MAD2, M.A.D. Editions conducted a raffle for its newest model, the MAD3, with a wandering jump hour display. Maybe it's because I wasn't selected, but I find the MAD2 to be more distinctive. It hits the sweet spot between wearability and a unique experience, without being over the top like the MAD1S.
M.A.D. Editions M.A.D.2 Live Specifications:
Name: M.A.D. Editions M.A.D.2 Live
Reference Number: M.A.D.2 Live
Original Price: 2,900 CHF
Width: 42mm
Height: 48.5mm
Thickness: 12.3mm
Lug Width: 21mm
Movement: La Joux-Perret G101 with Bi-directional jumping hour and trailing minutes module developed by MB&F
Power Reserve: 64 hours
Water Resistance: 30m
Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal w/ AR coating on both sides
Crown: Push-pull
Bezel: Fixed, stainless steel
Strap: White rubber Cut to Size with double deployant